Date of writing from postmark.
To "My dear little cherished sprig of Ivy".
Letter signed "Clematis."
Postmarked with remains of seal, with address panel reading: Miss Martha Jackson / Gobious / near Hertford.
One of a collection of 13 letters from George Eliot to her friend and former schoolfellow, Martha Jackson (Barclay) (see MA 14251.1-13).
Assuring her of her continued devotion to her despite her failure to write her sooner, and explaining that she has been too busy to respond in a timely manner; mentioning that Jessie (Barclay) has been staying with her and expressing her disappointed at Martha Jackson's failure to become engaged ("Would that I knew by what part Mother Nature held you when she plunged you in the invincibility bestowing stream! I would quickly apprize Cupid & Mr. Field that they might unitedly lay siege to the pregnable quarter.").